Imperial Beach man charged with fatal hit-and-run

Eric Cox is suspected of beating and killing a woman on Wednesday evening while allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. – A man accused of causing a fatal hit-and-run crash in Imperial Beach this week was arraigned at the South Bay Courthouse.

Eric Cox, 62, is accused of beating and killing a woman Wednesday night while allegedly under the influence of alcohol. He pleaded not guilty on Friday.

Cox is a nurse at Scripps and is accused of beating and killing a woman in the 1100 block of Connecticut Street in Imperial Beach.

Through an investigation, officers learned that a red Chevrolet Camaro with black racing stripes had left the area and was likely involved in the crash. Officers soon found the car and identified Cox as the owner.

“The defendant contacted officers at his home and officers noticed the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the defendant. He admitted to drinking two 16 oz (approximately 473 ml) strong seltzers. He admitted to drinking them after he got home,” the prosecutor said.

CBS 8 learned the victim was 44-year-old Tamara Chambers, who was believed to be homeless. The sheriff's department said a passerby saw the woman lying in the street before she was hit. She was pronounced dead at the scene after the collision.

Cox was being held on $100,000 bail, but today the judge agreed to release him on conditions.

“I think the more important goal is not to ensure his return to court, but to protect the public. That's why I'm going to impose restrictions. And with some severity,” said Judge Rebeca Kanter.

She says Cox is not allowed to drink or possess alcohol or marijuana. He must wear a breathalyzer monitor and can be searched at any time without a warrant. He is allowed to drive and go to his job at Scripps Hospital.

Cox is charged with manslaughter, driving while under the influence of alcohol causing personal injury, and hit-and-run causing serious bodily injury or death.

He was released on these conditions and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 26 next month.

WATCH HERE: Teenager seriously injured in hit-and-run in Escondido